After Tuesday’s practice, Stoudemire said he’d love to stay in Phoenix if the Suns meet his number. No hard feelings or hometown discounts, just good business moving forward. It’s shaping up as a decision with major consequences, and the Suns must wonder: What’s real? What’s temporary? And once Stoudemire gets his money, how long until his knees scream for a doctor?

This much is tangible: Stoudemire has grown considerably in 2009-10. He is no longer a lone wolf on the road. He is an engaged teammate who hangs out with the entire group, a noticeable change that began in training camp. The stoic manner in which he handled a recent wave of trade rumors earned him much respect in the locker room, turning him into an empathetic figure.

On the court, he clearly benefits from the hulking presence of Robin Lopez, who is now the starting center and occupies the other team’s biggest player. That could be a powerful combination in the future. And after all these years, Stoudemire never runs out of surprises.

“I’m on a vegan fast right now,” Stoudemire declared. “With my four days off, I’m really taking time off to purify my body, and get my body in top shape for these last 16-17 games. So right now, I’m on a vegan fast.”